This decision is aimed at easing congestion at visa counters, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers on August 21 had decided to allow visa-free entry to Sri Lanka for citizens of 35 countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Canada, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Russia, South Korea, and Japan.
This new visa-free policy is expected to come into effect from October 01, 2024, and will remain in effect for a period of six months.